18/01/2010

Fresh BA Crew Ballot

British Airways cabin crew will hold a fresh ballot on possible industrial action, the Unite union has confirmed.

Officials said a vote will be held after the latest round of talks with BA management failed to produce a resolution.

Cabin staff are angry at a change in working conditions and mooted job cuts.

A high court judgment in December halted plans for a large scale walk out by Unite members, which had the potential to cause travel chaos over Christmas.

Union assistant general secretary Len McCluskey said "intensive discussions" with BA in the wake of the ruling had faltered.

"We therefore have to honour our commitment to give our members the voice they were denied by the courts before Christmas, and hold a fresh ballot for industrial action," he said.

Mr McCluskey added that Unite wanted to see talks with BA continue.

Cabin crew were prepared to take to the picket line for 12-days during the festive period, but had to retract when the union's handling of the issues was deemed illegal.

Cost-cutting measures by BA could see staffing on long haul flights reduced.

Unite says it has not been consulted on these changes.

(PR/GK)

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